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"Breast Aware" self-examination pad

Our Breast Aware™ breast self-examination test pad is to be used as an aid for performing breast self-examination. It reduces friction and provides for an easier and more comfortable exam. Your breast self-examination should be performed first with your bare hands and then with the Breast Aware™ pad.

	on this page Description of the Breast Aware™ pad How to use your self-examination breast pad Directions for use How to examine your breasts Why is breast self-examination so important? When is the best time to examine your breasts? Care and storage of your self-examination pad Customer's review Buying our Breast Aware self-examination pad

Description of the Breast Aware™ pad

The Breast Aware pad is a medical device which consists of two plastic sheets with liquid sealed in between. The testing pad reduces friction between your fingers and breast and clings lightly to your skin. When you place your fingers on the pad and press firmly, your fingers will glide smoothly across your breast.

How to use your self-examination breast pad

Before using the self-examination breast pad, you should first become familiar with how it works.

The following procedure is designed to provide you with a check list that will help you use the pad correctly.

1. Rub the pad between your hands to spread the lubricant contained within the pad. This will also help to warm the pad to your body temperature.
2. Lay the pad over the area to be examined. Press down firmly on the pad with your fingers flat and move them over the area to be examined. The top layer of the pad will move while the bottom layer, in contact with your skin, will remain stationary. By reducing friction, your fingers will focus on the perceived sense of shape.
3. Repeat this procedure until you are comfortable on how to use the self-examination breast pad.
   1. PLEASE NOTE:
      1. DO NOT use the breast self-examination pad in the bath or shower - as it should not get wet whilst attending to the self bust examination, as it will interfere with the sensitivity and functioning of the pad.
      2. DO NOT apply any cream or lubricant to your breast before using the self-examination pad.

Directions for use

Our breast self-examination pad should be used during a self-examination standing upright and lying down. It is very important that your breast self-examination is performed with your bare hand and then with the self-examination pad.

Be sure to take enough time to examine both breasts thoroughly.

How to examine your breasts

1. The first step of the breast self-examination should be performed while standing. Begin with a bare handed examination of your right breast with your right arm raised as illustrated below using your left hand to performing the examination. Raising your arm will ensure even distribution of breast tissue for a more thorough exam. Press firmly with your fingers flat, slide over every part of your breast and armpit, feeling for any lump or hardness. Once you have completed the bare-handed examination, repeat the entire procedure with the 'Breast Aware' self-examination pad. Holding the pad over your breast with your fingers flat, press firmly on the pad and slide over every part of your breast and armpit. Remember, you are feeling for any lump, hardness or irregularity. Now perform both the bare-handed and pad exam on your other breast.

2. The second step of the breast self-examination should be performed while lying on your back. Place a pillow under your right shoulder as illustrated below. Placing the pillow under your shoulder will help the spread of the breast tissue over your chest wall. Raise your right arm and examine your right breast with your left hand. Remember to examine every part of your breast and armpit, feeling for any lumps, irregularities or hardness. The examination should be performed with and without the breast pad on both the right and left breasts and armpits.

3. The third and final step of the breast self-examination should be performed while standing in front of a well-lit mirror. With your hands at your sides look for any skin changes such as dimpling or puckering. Then place your palms on your hips and press down firmly, flexing your chest muscles. Check again for any changes. Lastly, gently squeeze each nipple between the thumb and index finger to see if there is any discharge. Any discharge should be discussed with your doctor.

Why is breast self-examination so important?

By examining your breasts regularly, you will become familiar with what is normal for your body. By becoming familiar with what is normal, you will also be able to recognize changes promptly. Any change should be brought to the attention of your doctor.

Doing breast self-examinations will help to give you peace of mind each month. However, remember that breast self-examination is only one part of good breast health care. It is very important that you have regular clinical breast examinations and/or mammograms as advised by your doctor.

When is the best time to examine your breasts?

You should examine your breasts once every month within a week after the end of your menstrual period. This is the time when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. If you have stopped having periods, or if your periods are not regular, examine your breasts every month, preferably on the same day of each month. Choose a day that is easy to remember - perhaps the first day of the month.

Care and storage of your self-examination pad

If the breast self-examination pad becomes soiled, simply rinse with warm water and let it dry. Store at room temperature.

Customer's review

• Thank you for this wonderful aid - I found a lump that I didn't feel with my bare hands - this pad amplifies the 'feeling' process - and meant that I could seek treatment at an early stage.
  • J. S. - Devon, UK
• I really dislike doing my monthly self-examination - but with your pad it is far easier, and my touch is far more sensitive.
  • G. K. - Boston, USA

Buying our Breast Aware self-examination pad

R 110.00 per re-useable pad

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